Endemic Caribbean birds cohabit in Escaleras de Jaruco, Havana Province, Cuba

The scientists seek autochthonous and migratory winged species in the “Escaleras de Jaruco” orographic cluster as part of the activities under the VII Festival of Caribbean Endemic Birds.

That steep patch of land covers 2 235 hectares. It is 15 kilometers long and 7 kilometers wide. It is the natural habitat of tocororos, cartacubas, mockingbirds, hummingbirds, white-winged doves, tomeguins, torcazas and hawks. All of those are specimens coveted by poachers.

The sponsors of that annual contest argue that the hills in Havana Province northeast, known as Escaleras de Jaruco, are one of the 283 Caribbean demarcations with real possibilities to preserve 55 species endangered by human voracity.

To that end, environmentalist children of primary and high school from the municipalities of Jaruco, San Jose de las Lajas, Cotorro, Guanabacoa and Havana del Este are developing exploration routes across those forests, with the aid of bibliographical material, videos and pictures.

Boys and girls carry out similar activities in forest strips of the other provinces of the country and the special Municipality Island of Youth, with the support of specialists from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA).

The visits to the Escaleras de Jaruco Protected Area of Managed Resources started last April 21, at the outset of the VII Festival of Caribbean Endemic Birds. The closing of this event is scheduled for next May 22, coinciding with the celebration of the International Day of Biodiversity.


(Cadena Habana)